Basket catheter having multiple electrodes

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide a catheter that comprises an elongated catheter body ( 16 ) and an electrode assembly ( 10 ) at the distal end of the catheter body. The electrode assembly comprises a plurality of spines ( 11 ), each of the spines having a proximal end connected to the distal end of the catheter and a distal end, the distal ends of the spines being connected at a spine tip junction ( 13 ). Each spine includes an elbow ( 20 ) having at least one discontinuity in stiffness at an intermediate position between the distal end and the proximal end thereof. The spines include a plurality of electrodes ( 12 ). The electrode assembly is collapsible to a collapsed arrangement to fit within a lumen of the elongated catheter body and expandable to an expanded arrangement with the elbows of the spines bending outwardly relative to the proximal and distal ends of the spines.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/917,053, filed on May 9, 2007 (the '053 application). The entiredisclosure of the '053 application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains generally to catheters and electrodeassemblies. More particularly, the present invention is directed towardmapping catheters including high density mapping catheters, and ablationcatheters.

b. Background Art

Electrophysiology catheters are used for an ever-growing number ofprocedures. For example, catheters are used for diagnostic, therapeutic,and ablative procedures, to name just a few examples. Typically, thecatheter is manipulated through the patient's vasculature and to theintended site, for example, a site within the patient's heart. Thecatheter typically carries one or more electrodes, which may be used forablation, diagnosis, or the like. There are a number of methods used forablation of desired areas, including for example, radiofrequency (RF)ablation. RF ablation is accomplished by transmission of radiofrequencyenergy to a desired target area through an electrode assembly to ablatetissue at the target site.

By mapping the electrical activities using mapping electrodes of acatheter, one can detect ectopic sites of electrical activation or otherelectrical activation pathways that contribute to cardiac disorders.This type of information is very valuable and allows a cardiologist tolocate and treat dysfunctional cardiac tissues. Ablation electrodes canbe provided on a catheter for ablating cardiac tissue. Ablation isconsidered a field within electrophysiology and is important because itobviates the need for more invasive and risky surgical treatments suchas open heart surgery.

Typically, the electrode catheter is inserted into a major vein orartery, and then guided into the heart chamber of concern. Due to theunpredictability of the interior size and shape of an individual's heartand the location of the area of concern, the ability to control theexact position and orientation of the catheter is essential and criticalto the effectiveness of the ablation treatment by electrode catheter.

Such electrophysiological ablation and mapping catheters typically havean elongated flexible body with a distal end that carries one or moreelectrodes that are used to map or collect electrical information aboutelectrical activities in the heart. Typically, the distal end issteerable to provide the user the ability to adequately guide andposition the catheter to the desired location. Some types of electrodeablation and mapping catheters (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,027,851,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) use multipleelectrode arms or spines to allow multiple measurements to be taken atonce, thereby reducing the time it takes to map the heart. Although suchtypes of electrode ablation and mapping catheters make mapping moreefficient, they suffer from the lack of control over the individualelectrode spines or arms. In addition, because of the unpredictable andoften irregular shapes and sizes of the inner-heart, such uncontrollableindependent configuration of electrode spines or arms often lead tounreliable mapping and ablation, because the user cannot adequatelypredict or control where a particular electrode spine or arm will bepositioned relative to another electrode spine or arm. Accordingly, theneed exists for an improved catheter that can more effectively controland position multiple electrode members and increase locationpredictability of electrode members, while being steerable anddeflectable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a catheter including anelectrode assembly or basket having an array of electrodes. In specificembodiments, the electrode assembly is particularly useful for mappingelectrical activity at multiple locations within the heart. Theelectrode assembly includes a plurality of spines each having at leastone discontinuity in stiffness at an elbow region between its proximalend and its distal end to allow the spines to bend outwardly at theelbow region as the electrode assembly move from a collapsed arrangementto an expanded arrangement. In some cases, the distal segment betweenthe elbow and the distal end of each spine remains generally linear. Anadjusting member may be provided to move the electrode assembly betweenthe collapsed arrangement and the expanded arrangement. Optionally, atransverse spine or link connects the elbows of a plurality oflongitudinal spines.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a cathetercomprises an elongated catheter body having a proximal end and a distalend, and at least one lumen therethrough in a longitudinal direction ofthe elongated catheter body; and an electrode assembly at the distal endof the catheter body. The electrode assembly comprises a plurality ofspines, each of the spines having a proximal end connected to the distalend of the catheter and a distal end, the distal ends of the spinesbeing connected at a spine tip junction. Each spine includes an elbowhaving at least one discontinuity in stiffness at an intermediateposition between the distal end and the proximal end thereof. The spinesinclude a plurality of electrodes. The electrode assembly is collapsibleto a collapsed arrangement to fit within a lumen of the elongatedcatheter body and is expandable to an expanded arrangement with theelbows of the spines bending outwardly relative to the proximal anddistal ends of the spines. The elbows of the spines move radiallyoutwardly from the collapsed arrangement to the expanded arrangement.

In some embodiments, the elbow of each spine has at least onediscontinuity in stiffness resulting from one or more of a change inmaterial, a change in cross-sectional arrangement, and a change incross-sectional area. Each spine has electrodes only between the elbowand the distal end thereof or only between the elbow and the proximalend thereof. A tilting mechanism is used to tilt the electrode assemblywith respect to the elongated catheter body. A bending mechanism isprovided to bend the elongated catheter body. The spines include mappingelectrodes, and the spine tip junction includes an ablation electrode.The spines may include mapping electrodes, and the electrodes in onespine are spaced differently from the electrodes in another spine. Atleast one of the spines includes a shape memory material that biases thespine toward the expanded arrangement.

In specific embodiments, a transverse link connects the elbows of atleast some of the spines, wherein the transverse link is collapsible tofit within the lumen of the elongated catheter body. The transverse linkincludes a shape memory material that biases the spines toward theexpanded arrangement. At least one spine has an ablation electrodedisposed at the elbow thereof. An adjusting member has a distal endconnected to the spine tip junction and a proximal end which is movablein the longitudinal direction of the elongated catheter body, whereinmovement of the adjusting member changes the shape of the electrodeassembly.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a catheter comprisesan elongated catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, andat least one lumen therethrough in a longitudinal direction of theelongated catheter body; and an electrode assembly at the distal end ofthe catheter body. The electrode assembly comprises a plurality ofspines, each of the spines having a proximal end connected to the distalend of the catheter and a distal end, the distal ends of the spinesbeing connected at a spine tip junction. Each spine includes an elbowhaving at least one discontinuity in stiffness at an intermediateposition between the distal end and the proximal end thereof The spinesinclude a plurality of electrodes. An adjusting member has a distal endconnected to the spine tip junction and a proximal end which is movablein the longitudinal direction of the elongated catheter body. Movementof the adjusting member changes the shape of the electrode assemblybetween a collapsed arrangement in which the electrode assembly iscollapsed to fit within a lumen of the elongated catheter body anddifferent expanded arrangements with the elbows of the spines bendingoutwardly relative to the proximal and distal ends of the spines. Theelbows of the spines move radially outwardly from the collapsedarrangement to the expanded arrangement.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a cathetercomprises an elongated catheter body having a proximal end and a distalend, and at least one lumen therethrough in a longitudinal direction ofthe elongated catheter body; and an electrode assembly at the distal endof the catheter body. The electrode assembly comprises a plurality ofspines including multiple longitudinal spines and a transverse spine,each of the longitudinal spines having a proximal end connected to thedistal end of the catheter and a distal end, the distal ends of thelongitudinal spines being connected at a spine tip junction. Eachlongitudinal spine includes an elbow having at least one discontinuityin stiffness at an intermediate position between the distal end and theproximal end thereof. The transverse spine connects the elbows of atleast some of the longitudinal spines. The spines include a plurality ofelectrodes. The electrode assembly is collapsible to a collapsedarrangement to fit within a lumen of the elongated catheter body and isexpandable to an expanded arrangement with the elbows of thelongitudinal spines bending outwardly relative to the proximal anddistal ends of the longitudinal spines. The elbows of the spines moveradially outwardly from the collapsed arrangement to the expandedarrangement.

In some embodiments, the transverse spine forms a loop around the elbowsof the longitudinal spines. The spines include electrodes only along theloop. The transverse spine includes a shape memory material that biasesthe spines toward the expanded arrangement.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, andadvantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading thefollowing description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a catheter system according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a catheter showing an electrodeassembly or basket in an expanded profile.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the electrode assembly in a collapsedprofile inside a sheath.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate the electrode assembly having spines formed ofgenerally linear spine segments at different stages of expansion fromthe collapsed profile to the expanded profile, and having electrodesdisposed between the elbows and the distal ends of the spines, accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3E-3G illustrate an electrode assembly having arcuate shape spinesaccording to another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various, configurations of internal supportmembers of spines according to different embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tip junction of the electrodeassembly of a catheter according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views of two catheter shafts showing differentdegrees of shaft deflection.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the distal region of a catheter shaft showingthe tilting of the electrode assembly using an adjusting member attachedto the tip junction.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an electrode assembly having electrodesdisposed between the elbows and the proximal ends of the spinesaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 8B illustrates the use of the electrode assembly of FIG. 8A in abody cavity such as for mapping or ablating the left atrium.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an electrode assembly having atransverse spine or link with electrodes according to another embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 9B illustrates the use of the electrode assembly of FIG. 9A in abody cavity such as for ablating the pulmonary vein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a catheter system 1 according to anembodiment of the present invention. The catheter system 1 includes ahandle 2 and connectors 3 disposed proximal to the handle 2 for makingelectrical connections to an electronic mapping system or the like (notshown). The handle 2 can have a unidirectional design, a bi-directionaldesign, a double bi-directional design, or any other suitable design.The catheter system 1 also has a delivery sheath intro 4 located distalto the handle 2 that a surgeon may use to deliver a sheath 6 into thebody of a patient. The sheath 6 extends from the delivery sheath intro4. Further, an electrode assembly or basket 10 protrudes from the distalend of the sheath 6. As those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize, the handle 2, the delivery sheath intro 4, and electronicconnectors 3 may readily be modified as dictated by the aesthetic orfunctional needs of particular applications.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the electrode assembly 10 in greater details.FIG. 2A shows the electrode assembly 10 in an expanded profile, whileFIG. 2B shows the electrode assembly 10 in a collapsed profile inside asheath 17. The electrode assembly 10 may be collapsed by a force to thecollapsed profile and, upon removal of the force, returns to theexpanded profile. This may be achieved by using a shape memory materialor some other biasing mechanism. The electrode assembly 10 shown haseight spines 11. Each of the spines 11 has a distal and a proximal end.The spines are deflectable elongated pieces that carry electrodes 12along a length of the spines 11. In this embodiment, a plurality ofelectrodes 12 are disposed between the elbow regions 20 (as discussedbelow in connection with FIGS. 3A-3D) and the distal ends of the spines11. When the electrode assembly 10 is in the expanded profile, accordingto this particular embodiment, the electrodes 12 on the spines 11 forman array of electrodes distributed over a substantially flat surfacewithin an area encircled by dashed line A. The electrode assembly 10 hasa generally cone shape in the expanded profile. Of course, the array ofelectrodes 12 need not be distributed over a substantially flat surfacebut may take on a nonplanar surface profile in the expanded state inother embodiments depending on the application of the electrodeassembly. In specific embodiments, the spines 11 include mappingelectrodes 12 that are spaced differently among the different spines 11so as to provide orientation information for the mapping. In otherembodiments, an ablation electrode is provided at one or more of theelbows 20 of the spines 11.

The distal ends of the spines 11 are connected at a tip junction 13 (seeFIG. 5). The electrode assembly 10 is coupled at its proximal end to adistal end of a longitudinal shaft 16, and the shaft 16 is slidablyreceived within a longitudinal lumen of the sheath 17. In FIG. 2B, thecollapsible electrode assembly 10 is in a collapsed profile and isslidably received within the longitudinal lumen of the sheath 17. Duringdelivery of the catheter into the target site within a patient's body,the electrode assembly 10 remains collapsed as shown in FIG. 2B. Theelectrode assembly 10 expands, as shown in FIG. 2A, when it is pushedthrough the distal end of the sheath 17 at the target site. The elbows20 of the spines 11 move radially outwardly and the spine tip junction13 move closer to the distal end of the catheter shaft 16 as theelectrode assembly 10 moves from the collapsed profile to the expandedprofile. The electrode assembly 10 is preferably biased from thecollapsed state toward the expanded state when the force applied to moveit to the collapsed state is removed. As discussed in more detail below,this can be achieved by using shape memory materials or the like.

The tip junction 13 may be a block with a plurality of transversethrough holes, as seen in FIG. 5. The transverse through holes receivespines 11. The spines 11 can be fastened to the tip junction 13 byadhesives, welding or other suitable means. The tip junction 13 isconnected to the distal end of an adjusting member 14 which may be inthe form of a control wire. The adjusting member 14 extends into theshaft 16 and is slidably received within the shaft. The proximal end ofthe adjusting member 14 is coupled to a user-actuated controller suchthat movement of the adjusting member 14 in a proximal direction willalso move the tip junction 13 in the proximal direction, which in turncauses the electrode assembly 10 to move toward or away from theexpanded profile as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A.

Optionally, the tip junction 13 can be an electrode for mapping and/orablating. In such an embodiment, the tip junction 13 is electricallyconnected to a power source and can selectively apply energy, or collectelectrical data, or both.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the electrode assembly 10 has four spines11. The dashed lines illustrate different stages of collapse of theelectrode assembly 10 from the expanded profile by selectively andslidably move the adjusting member 14. In this embodiment, the proximalends of spines 11 are connected to a base socket support member 18 atthe distal end of the shaft 16. The base socket support member 18provides structural support to secure the plurality of spines 11 to theshaft 16, while allowing pivotal movement of individual spines 11 duringexpansion and during collapse of the electrode assembly 10.

As seen in FIG. 2A, a flat wire 15 is provided in the shaft 16 forbi-directional deflection of the shaft 16. In the embodiment shown, theflat wire 15 does not extend through the distal end of the shaft. 16,and is contained within shaft 16. Additionally and optionally, shaftelectrodes 19 are disposed near the distal end of the shaft 16 forvisualization and/or mapping purposes as used, for instance, in theEnSite™ system available from St. Jude Medical.

FIGS. 3B-3D illustrate the electrode assembly 10 at different stages ofcollapse or expansion as the adjusting member 14 moves forward andbackward along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 16. The electrodeassembly 10 has spines 11 formed of generally linear spine segments.There are two spine segments separated by an elbow region 20 in anintermediate position between the distal end and the proximal end of theembodiment shown. A distal segment extends from the elbow 20 to thedistal end connected to the tip junction 13. A proximal segment extendsfrom the elbow 20 to the proximal end connected to the support member18. In this embodiment, electrodes are disposed between the elbows 20and the distal ends of the spines 11. The elbow 20 bends outwardlyrelative to the proximal end and the distal end of the spine 11. Theelbow 20 has at least one discontinuity in stiffness that allows it tobend. The at least one discontinuity may result from one or more of achange in material, a change in cross-sectional arrangement (e.g.,shape), and a change in cross-sectional area. In a specific embodiment,there cross section of the spine 11 changes from the proximal segment toa less stiff cross section at the elbow 20 (by reducing the area and/orthe shape of the cross section) and then changes back to the same crosssection in the distal segment as in the proximal segment. The elbow 20may be located in the mid portion of each spine 11. The location of theelbow 20 affects the size of the area A of the electrode array in thisembodiment (see circle A in dash line in FIG. 2A), and defines the shapeof the electrode assembly or basket 10. The elbow region 20 may beselected for each spine 11 to define a desired shape and size of area Afor the electrode array, for instance, based on the type and shape ofthe target tissue.

Other configurations of the electrode assembly or basket 10 arepossible. For example, FIGS. 3E-3G show spines 11 without elbow regions,and the spines 11 bend in an arcuate manner in response to movement ofthe adjusting member 14. As a result, a generally oval or sphericalshape is formed instead of a conical or diamond shape.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various configurations of internal supportmembers of the spines 11 that define the deflection characteristics ofthe spines 11 according to different embodiments. In these embodiments,each spine 11 has an internal support member 21 embedded in a shelltypically having a circular cylindrical shape. The internal supportmember 21 provides structure integrity and defines elbow regions forspine deflection. Each support member 21 shown supports two opposingspines 11 that are joined at the tip junction 13. Referring to the fourdiamond-shaped internal support members 21 in FIGS. 4A-4D, the topmostpoint 22 of the diamond is where tip junction 13 is located. The twoterminal ends 23 of the internal support members are secured to basesocket support member 18. The distal segment 24 is disposed between theelbow region 25 and the topmost point 22, and the proximal segment 26 isdisposed between the elbow region 25 and the terminal ends 23. Thetopmost point 22 has a bent that can be achieved by a discontinuity(similar to the elbow 25) or by use of a shape memory material. Anoptional bent knee 29 is provided near each terminal end 23. The elbows25 are characterized by a change or discontinuity in cross-sectionalshape and area. Unlike a hinge, the elbow 25 in these embodiments istypically not a point but a region that includes the discontinuity instiffness. In other embodiments, the elbow 25 will appear more like apoint if the discontinuity is formed by a hinge or hinge-like mechanism.

More specifically, FIG. 4A shows an internal support member 21 that hasa flat, rectangular cross-sectional shape throughout. The proximalsegment 26 is wider than the distal segment 24 (and has a largercross-sectional area), and is thus structurally stronger againstdeflection. In some embodiments, the proximal segments 26 may besufficiently sturdy so that when the array of electrodes are pressedagainst tissues with ridges or irregularities on the surface of thetissue, the proximal segments 26 do not bend out of shape but supportand maintain the contact between the array of electrodes and the tissuesurface. Such a design maintains the integrity of the electrode assembly10 such that its shape is not changed when pressed upon ridges on thetissue surface.

In other embodiments, the distal segments 24 are relatively stiffer thanthe rest of the support member 21, so that at least when the electrodeassembly 10 is in an expanded profile, the distal segments 24 remainsubstantially straight. In yet other embodiments, the support member 21may have a generally uniform cross section except at the elbows 25 (andoptionally the topmost point 22) where the cross section is reduced insize or otherwise shaped to provide a discontinuity in stiffness orweaker area to facilitate deflection. As mentioned, a hinge mechanism orthe like may also be employed at the discontinuity.

In FIG. 4B, the internal support member 21 has a flat, rectangularcross-sectional shape in the distal segments 24 and in the elbow region25 only. The distal segments 24 and the elbow region 25 can be referredto as a tapered section 27, which is generally of a thinner and flatterprofile than proximal segments 26. The proximal segments 26 in FIG. 4Bhave a generally round cross-sectional shape, and are sized to bestructurally stiffer against bending than the elbow region 25.

In FIG. 4C, the internal support member 21 has a generally roundcross-sectional shape throughout. The proximal segments 26 are larger indiameter than the distal segments 24 and the elbow region 25.Alternatively, the entire internal support member can have a roundcross-sectional shape, except at the angled points (elbow region 25 andtopmost point 22) wherein a flat, rectangular cross-sectional shape orthe like is provided to enhance pivotal bending at those angle points.

In FIG. 4D, the internal support member 21 has a generally roundcross-sectional shape in the distal segments 24 and the elbow region 25.The proximal segments 26 have a generally flat, rectangularcross-sectional shape that is configured to be structurally stiffer thanthe distal segment 24 and the elbow region 25.

Although specific shapes of internal support member 21, spines 11, tipjunction 13, and base socket support member 18 are disclosed for thecollapsible electrode assembly 10, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize there are other ways to build a collapsible assembly. Forexample, instead of providing a unitary internal support member 21 thatpasses through a tip junction 13 to form opposing spines 11, one can usetwo opposing internal support members 21 for the two opposing spines 11that are connected at the tip junction 13 by welding or the like. Inaddition, the cross-sectional shapes and configuration of the internalsupport members 21 described may readily be modified as dictated by thefunctional needs of providing sufficient structure integrity, allowingdeflection in the elbow region 25 and other designated regions, andproviding sufficient stiffness in the distal segments 24 to ensure thatthe distal segments 24 remain substantially straight duringablation/mapping of tissue. Different thicknesses can also be utilizedin different areas along the support member 21 to achieve the desireddeflection. For example, the elbow region 25 and the topmost point 22can be thinner or otherwise made structurally more tenuous than otherparts of the support member 21, such that the desired bending occurs atthe elbow regions 25 and the topmost point 22, and not in other parts ofthe support member 21.

In specific embodiments, the spines 11 are generally evenly spaced inthe electrode assembly or basket 10 to form a stable and sturdystructure that allows the electrode array to maintain its shape duringuse. This is particularly helpful if the electrode array is adapted tocontact body tissue having ridges or an otherwise uneven surface (e.g.,cardiac tissue of the heart). One contemplated way of providingsufficiently sturdy spines 11 is to use flat internal support members 21that only bend bi-directionally. In this way, the electrode assembly 10can expand and collapse, but the spines 11 will not move from side toside. Another contemplated design is to have internal support members 21made of sufficiently stiff material such that side-to-side movement isminimized. Optionally, using a tip junction 13 that aligns each spine 11in position can help in ensuring that the array of electrodes are notaffected by ridges at the target tissue site.

In use, the internal support members 21 are embedded within shells ofthe spines 11. When the spines deflect between the collapsed andexpanded profiles, the elbow regions 25 bend while the distal segments24 and the proximal segments 26 remain substantially straight. Duringexpansion of the electrode assembly 10, the spines 11 form angularconfigurations as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C to reach the expanded profileof FIG. 3D.

In addition to, or as an alternative to structural variations in theinner support member 21, the inner support member 21 may use materialvariation along the length of the support member 21 to cause the desireddeflection at the elbow regions 25. Furthermore, shape memory alloy suchas Nitinol may be used to facilitate bending at the elbow region 25 andmay also be adapted to bias the inner support member 21 toward theexpanded profile when the force that is applied to collapse theelectrode assembly 10 is removed.

Other embodiments that do not employ inner support members 21 embeddedwithin the spines 11 are expressly contemplated. In those embodiments,the spines 11 may be modified so that delectability is a direct resultof the structural and/or material variation of the spines 11 themselves.In those embodiments, the spines 11 can have shapes and material make-upsimilar to those described above for the internal support members 21.For example, the spines 11 can have shapes similar to those of thesupport members 21 as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D.

In yet another embodiment, the expansion and collapse of the electrodeassembly 10 can be controlled without using an adjusting member 14. Inone alternative design, no adjusting member is needed. Instead, theelectrode assembly 10 is biased toward the expanded profile when theforce that is applied to collapse the electrode assembly 10 is removed.This can be achieved, for instance, by using a shape memory materialsuch as Nitinol for the spines 11. In another alternative design, anadjusting member may be embedded in at least one of the spines 11 or apair of opposing spines 11 (in the same manner as the internal supportmember 21). The embedded adjusting member can be used to adjust theexpansion and collapse of the electrode assembly 10, while optionally ashape memory material or the like may be used to bias the electrodeassembly 10 toward the collapsed profile. Furthermore, the embeddedadjusting member may optionally be used to tilt the electrode assembly10 relative to the shaft 16.

While the electrode assembly 10 has been discussed in detail above, thefollowing relates to the directional control of the electrode assembly10 as effected by tilting movement of the electrode assembly 10 relativeto the shaft 16 as well as tilting of the shaft 16. As shown in FIG. 2A,the flat wire 15 is disposed within the shaft 16 for bi-directionaldeflection of the shaft 16. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that other types and shapes of wires can be used in place of,or in addition to, the flat wire 15 to effectuate the sameunidirectional, bidirectional or multi-directional deflection. FIGS. 6Aand 6B are side views of two catheter shafts showing different degreesof shaft deflection. FIG. 6A shows a larger degree of deflection thanFIG. 6B.

In yet another embodiment, the adjusting member 14 can optionally bedeflectable, much like the flat wire 15, or with the help of anadditional flat wire (not shown) or guide wire (not shown). Referring toFIG. 7, by making the adjusting member 14 user-selectively deflectable,a user can tilt the electrode assembly 10 and control the degree anddirection of the tilt by deflecting the adjusting member 14. In thatcase, the adjusting member 14 may be formed as a flat wire.

In still another embodiment, the flat wire 15 within the shaft 16controls tilting of the shaft 16, while a deflectable adjusting member14 controls tilting of the electrode assembly 10 relative to the shaft16. This can be referred to as a dual distal deflection design, allowingthe user to separately tilt the electrode assembly 10 (as shown in FIG.7) and also tilt the shaft 16 in another direction (as shown is FIGS. 6Aand 6B). This combination provides enhanced maneuverability anddexterity of the electrode assembly 10 of the basket catheter.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an electrode assembly having electrodesdisposed in the proximal segments 34 between the elbows and the proximalends of the spines 11 according to another embodiment. The distalsegments 32 do not include any electrodes. As seen in FIG. 8B, theelectrode assembly of FIG. 8A is inserted into a body cavity for mappingor ablating tissue. The electrode assembly is inserted in the collapsedstate in the distal direction via a body lumen into the target bodycavity and changes into the expanded profile inside the target bodycavity 36. In one example, the user then moves the electrode assembly inthe proximal direction to make contacts between the electrodes 12 on theproximal segments 34 and the tissue surface of the target body cavity.This method is particularly effective to ablate the left atrium 36 ofthe heart.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an electrode assembly having acollapsible transverse spine or link 30 with electrodes 12 according toanother embodiment of the invention. The collapsible transverse spine 30is connected to the elbows of the longitudinal spines and is disposedgenerally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. Thetransverse link 30 may include a shape memory material that biases thespines toward the expanded arrangement. When the electrode assembly isin the expanded profile, the transverse spine 30 forms a loop which maylie on a plane that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis ofthe catheter shaft. While FIG. 9A shows a substantially circular loop,the transverse spine 30 may form other shapes in the expanded profile.

As seen in FIG. 9B, the transverse spine 30 having the electrodes 12 maybe particularly suitable for use in a body cavity such as for ablatingthe wall of a pulmonary vein 38. A contemplated method of ablationinvolves inserting a collapsed electrode assembly into the target bodycavity, and expanding the electrode assembly to allow the collapsibletransverse spine 30 to make contact with surrounding tissue forablation. In this case, the surrounding tissue is the wall of apulmonary vein 38. In another embodiment, the longitudinal spines haveablation electrodes disposed at the elbows thereof, and there is no needfor the transverse spine 30 with ablation electrodes.

The contemplated catheter and its component parts can be made ofsuitable materials known in the art of ablation catheters. Suchmaterials include natural and synthetic polymers, various metals andmetal alloys, naturally occurring materials, textile fibers, glass andceramic materials, and all reasonable combinations thereof. Thecontemplated catheter and its component parts can be made in known sizessuitable for use in performing tissue ablation. In one contemplatedembodiment, the shaft 16 has a diameter of about 6 to 8 femtometer.

All directional references upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right,leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal,clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identificationpurposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present invention, anddo not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation,or use of the invention. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled,connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may includeintermediate members between a connection of elements and relativemovement between elements. As such, joinder references do notnecessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixedrelation to each other. It is intended that all matter contained in theabove description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail orstructure may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventionas defined in the appended claims.

1. A catheter comprising: an elongated catheter body having a proximalend and a distal end, and at least one lumen therethrough a longitudinaldirection of the elongated catheter body; and an electrode assembly atthe distal end of the catheter body, the electrode assembly comprising aplurality of spines, each of the spines having a proximal end connectedto the distal end of the catheter and a distal end, the distal ends ofthe spines being connected at a spine tip junction, wherein each spineincludes an elbow having at least one discontinuity in stiffness at anintermediate position between the distal end and the proximal endthereof, wherein the spines include a plurality of electrodes; whereinthe electrode assembly is collapsible to a collapsed arrangement to fitwithin a lumen of the elongated catheter body and is expandable to anexpanded arrangement with the elbows of the spines bending outwardlyrelative to the proximal and distal ends of the spines, the elbows ofthe spines moving radially outwardly from the collapsed arrangement tothe expanded arrangement.
 2. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the elbowof each spine has at least one discontinuity in stiffness resulting fromone or more of a change in material, a change in cross-sectionalarrangement, and a change in cross-sectional area.
 3. The catheter ofclaim 1, wherein each spine has electrodes only between the elbow andthe distal end thereof or only between the elbow and the proximal endthereof.
 4. The catheter of claim 1, further comprising a tiltingmechanism to tilt the electrode assembly with respect to the elongatedcatheter body.
 5. The catheter of claim 4, further comprising a bendingmechanism to bend the elongated catheter body.
 6. The catheter of claim1, wherein the spines include mapping electrodes, and wherein the spinetip junction includes an ablation electrode.
 7. The catheter of claim 1,wherein the spines include mapping electrodes, the electrodes in onespine being spaced differently from the electrodes in another spine. 8.The catheter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the spines includes ashape memory material that biases the spine toward the expandedarrangement.
 9. The catheter of claim 1, further comprising a transverselink connecting the elbows of at least some of the spines, wherein thetransverse link is collapsible to fit within the lumen of the elongatedcatheter body.
 10. The catheter of claim 9, wherein the transverse linkincludes a shape memory material that biases the spines toward theexpanded arrangement.
 11. The catheter of claim 1, wherein at least onespine has an ablation electrode disposed at the elbow thereof.
 12. Thecatheter of claim 1, further comprising an adjusting member which has adistal end connected to the spine tip junction and a proximal end whichis movable in the longitudinal direction of the elongated catheter body,wherein movement of the adjusting member changes the shape of theelectrode assembly.
 13. A catheter comprising: an elongated catheterbody having a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one lumentherethrough in a longitudinal direction of the elongated catheter body;and an electrode assembly at the distal end of the catheter body, theelectrode assembly comprising a plurality of spines, each of the spineshaving a proximal end connected to the distal end of the catheter and adistal end, the distal ends of the spines being connected at a spine tipjunction, wherein each spine includes an elbow having at least onediscontinuity in stiffness at an intermediate position between thedistal end and the proximal end thereof, wherein the spines include aplurality of electrodes; and an adjusting member which has a distal endconnected to the spine tip junction and a proximal end which is movablein the longitudinal direction of the elongated catheter body; whereinmovement of the adjusting member changes the shape of the electrodeassembly between a collapsed arrangement in which the electrode assemblyis collapsed to fit within a lumen of the elongated catheter body anddifferent expanded arrangements with the elbows of the spines bendingoutwardly relative to the proximal and distal ends of the spines, theelbows of the spines moving radially outwardly from the collapsedarrangement to the expanded arrangement.
 14. The catheter of claim 13,wherein the elbow of each spine has at least one discontinuity instiffness resulting from one or more of a change in material, a changein cross-sectional arrangement, and a change in cross-sectional area.15. The catheter of claim 13, wherein each spine has electrodes onlybetween the elbow and the distal end thereof.
 16. The catheter of claim13, wherein the spines include mapping electrodes, the electrodes in onespine being spaced differently from the electrodes in another spine. 17.The catheter of claim 13, further comprising a transverse linkconnecting the elbows of at least some of the spines, wherein thetransverse link is collapsible to fit within the lumen of the elongatedcatheter body.
 18. The catheter of claim 13, wherein at least one spinehas an ablation electrode disposed at the elbow thereof.
 19. A cathetercomprising: an elongated catheter body having a proximal end and adistal end, and at least one lumen therethrough in a longitudinaldirection of the elongated catheter body; and an electrode assembly atthe distal end of the catheter body, the electrode assembly comprising aplurality of spines including multiple longitudinal spines and atransverse spine, each of the longitudinal spines having a proximal endconnected to the distal end of the catheter and a distal end, the distalends of the longitudinal spines being connected at a spine tip junction,wherein each longitudinal spine includes an elbow having at least onediscontinuity in stiffness at an intermediate position between thedistal end and the proximal end thereof, the transverse spine connectingthe elbows of at least some of the longitudinal spines, wherein thespines include a plurality of electrodes; wherein the electrode assemblyis collapsible to a collapsed arrangement to fit within a lumen of theelongated catheter body and is expandable to an expanded arrangementwith the elbows of the longitudinal spines bending outwardly relative tothe proximal and distal ends of the longitudinal spines, the elbows ofthe spines moving radially outwardly from the collapsed arrangement tothe expanded arrangement.
 20. The catheter of claim 19, wherein theelbow of each longitudinal spine has at least one discontinuity instiffness resulting from one or more of a change in material, a changein cross-sectional arrangement, and a change in cross-sectional area.21. The catheter of claim 19, wherein at least one of the spinesincludes a shape memory material that biases the spine toward theexpanded arrangement.
 22. The catheter of claim 19, wherein thetransverse spine forms a loop around the elbows of the longitudinalspines.
 23. The catheter of claim 22, wherein the spines includeelectrodes only along the loop.
 24. The catheter of claim 19, whereinthe transverse spine includes a shape memory material that biases thespines toward the expanded arrangement.
 25. The catheter of claim 19,further comprising an adjusting member which has a distal end connectedto the spine tip junction and a proximal end which is movable in thelongitudinal direction of the elongated catheter body, wherein movementof the adjusting member changes the shape of the electrode assembly.